SNOOKER legend Jimmy White popped round to a Cowlersley man’s house for tea.
Jimmy was in town visiting Broad Oak Bowling Club in Linthwaite, to take part in a snooker exhibition.
But the multiple World Championship finalist also called in on Tom Holten and his family, after the 20-year-old wrote and invited him round.
Tom, a student at Kirklees College, has cerebral palsy and is a massive snooker fan.
His dad Lee, mum Marielyn and brother Connor, 14, a Honley High School pupil, are also big supporters.
Lee, 49, said: “He was brilliant. It was just fantastic that he took the time out to come round here for his tea.
“He was an absolute gent; he made a fuss of Tom and Connor too.
“He gave us some snooker memorabilia and signed autographs – he was a joy to be around.
“He had roast beef and horseradish sandwiches; we also made a few tuna mayo and cheese and chutney sandwiches for him, plus he had a cup of tea.
“One of our neighbours, Shirley, who makes the best cakes in the world, baked some especially for Jimmy.”
Lee added: “We’ve met Jimmy at a snooker exhibition and Tom gave him a letter.
“He said he’d come but we didn’t really think anything of it.
“Tom’s a massive snooker fan, he watches Jimmy and so to have him come to our house was just amazing.”
Tom is on a skills for life course at Kirklees College. Previously he went to Lydgate School and Rawthorpe Junior.
Jimmy’s visit may not be the last contact he has with the Holten family: Jimmy gave Tom his mobile phone number and asked him to keep in touch. He also promised the family he’d give them a backstage tour at his next tournament.
The exhibition match at Broadoak – organised by Kevin Ellis and attended by around 90 fans – saw White in entertaining form.
But he didn’t win every frame.
Former Huddersfield champion and this year’s runner-up, Trevor Liversidge, scored a memorable victory against the legend.
Current Huddersfield champion and 13-times record title holder Robert Read, had a 29-break against White but, having missed a red, watched White knock in a 70-plus frame-winning effort.
White also knocked in a 117 clearance as he comfortably won his other frames.
Kevin Ellis, defeated by White, is in talks to bring another top professional to the town for a follow-up exhibition night.
